Bangkok Holidays

Bangkok Travel Guide

Chaotic, carnal and congested, Thailand's capital is divided by
the Chao Phraya River and is nestled in one of the world's most
fertile rice-producing deltas. Bangkok's 579 square miles (1,500 sq
km) are criss-crossed by a series of canals carrying passengers and
cargo, its roads clotted with endless traffic jams, while the city
sprawls in all directions with a hodgepodge of urban, commercial
and industrial buildings. A new overland metropolitan railway
speeds above the city, providing visitors with a relaxed and
efficient way to observe the hustle and bustle below.

Despite its pollution and overcrowding, Bangkok is undoubtedly
one of Asia's most exciting cities, and one of the world's largest,
promising to reveal to each traveller the wild and untamed
mysteries of the east. Khao San Road is one of the city's most
vibrant streets, and is probably one of the best examples in the
world of a backpacker's 'ghetto'. Day and night the short stretch
of road is abuzz with activity. On the banks of the Chao Phraya
visitors will find the Grand Palace as well as Wat Phra Kaew, the
palace temple housing the Emerald Buddha, constructed entirely from
translucent green jade. Slightly upriver are the exquisitely
ornamented Royal Barges, still used today for special floating
processions.

Of the 30 or so temples in Bangkok, the largest is the Temple of
the Reclining Buddha, which houses an impressive statue of the
deity. The famous Floating Market is a delight to visitors and well
worth a visit. As the sun lurches towards the horizon in the west
and the sweat cools, this city of royalty and religion comes alive
with a palpable decadence. Music and dazzling neon advertise a
miasma of trendy bars and nightclubs, as well as the notorious
'girlie joints' that have ensured the Patpong district its
reputation for hedonism.

Though the city's frenetic pace and infamous congestion can be
overwhelming, a holiday in Bangkok is a must for anyone travelling
in Thailand.

Getting Around

Bangkok is notorious for the huge volume of traffic and traffic
jams, but this has eased slightly over the years with the
introduction of the elevated monorail, the Skytrain, which
currently has two lines running above Bangkok's central areas and
provides a much quicker and easier alternative to the bus. The
Bangkok Metro, established in 2004, has one route and covers areas
not connected by the Skytrain. The Metro intersects with the
Skytrain at three points and has 18 stations, with frequent
services running until midnight. The extensive bus system has
always been the main form of public transport, and they are the
cheapest, most frequent mode of travel around the city (THB 3.50 to
most destinations), but they should be used with care due to
pickpockets and bag snatchers taking advantage of the squash.

The easiest, fastest and most interesting way to get around is
on the waterways of the Chao Phraya River where numerous river
taxis, long-tail boats and large waterbuses make most tourist sites
easily reachable for about THB 10. Tuk tuks (colourful
three-wheelers) are the standard way of making short journeys and
are cheaper and quicker than regular taxis, but fares should be
negotiated before boarding. Metered and un-metered taxis are
air-conditioned, but be aware that drivers don't carry much change.
Any taxi or tuk tuk can be hired for a day's tour of the sights
(THB 500-800). If in a desperate rush during gridlock, motorcycle
taxis can be hired, which are cheaper and faster, but passengers
will need nerves of steel, and they should only be used for short
distances. They can be recognised by the colourful, numbered vests
worn by drivers.

One fun way to see Bangkok is by bicycle. The city loans free
bikes to tourists for two set routes along the river; the east side
goes past some of the biggest temples, while the west side goes
through more residential areas. be sure to ask for a bike lock so
you can stop and sightsee at the attractions along your way.